Pro Bowlers are in town to party ohana style

Pigskin knowledge is optional to enjoy this week's festivities

NOW THAT the business of deciding this year's NFL championship is settled, hordes of professional football players and their families have descended upon Oahu this week for the Pro Bowl.

But you don't need to be a sports fan to enjoy the entertainment windfall that Sunday's game brings to town, although an affinity for hip-hop might help. A number of family-friendly events are also planned, as is an island music-themed concert at the Waikiki Shell.

You also don't need to wait for the weekend for an excuse to party, as evidenced by the fourth annual "All-Star Pro VIP Kickoff Party" at Zanzabar on Wednesday. Thursday brought The Roots in concert at Pipeline Cafe, while Kid Capri spun at Hard Rock Cafe.

Lots of folks got excited when it was announced that LL Cool J would be here to host the "All-White Party" at Pipeline alongside Biz Markie on Saturday. Unfortunately, he chose to attend the Super Bowl instead, and was replaced at first with Fat Joe by the party's promoter. That deal fell through as well, with the Ying Yang Twins now penciled in for a guest set at the club.

Bay Area rap legend E-40 was originally supposed to have the Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon in the house with him at The O Lounge on Saturday, but scheduling conflicts have led to E-40 performing by himself.

The Dirty South will be well-represented at the Kapiolani Boulevard nightspot this weekend, with Petey Pablo performing on Friday and Chamillionaire headlining the "Pro Bowl Post-Game Extravaganza" on Sunday.

FOR MORE family-friendly fun, consider Friday's "Pro Bowl Festival" at Kapiolani Park, or head to Aloha Stadium a day early for the "Pro Bowl Ohana Day Celebration," which will feature acoustic performances by Pro Bowl halftime entertainers JoJo and the Backstreet Boys. That evening, the Waikiki Shell hosts the "Pro Bowl Concert," which features a variety of Jawaiian groups and former "American Idol" contestant Camile Velasco.

Above is a partial listing of parties with a planned Pro Bowl theme. With so many players in town, however, it's likely you'll run into someone famous no matter where you decide to party. Check out the Nightcrawlers on Page 24 and 25 for info on other events taking place this weekend.

IT'S PARTY TIME

You don't have to be a football fan to reap the benefits that the Pro Bowl is bringing around town:

Friday

» "Pro Bowl Block Party" features an autograph session with some of the players until 11 p.m.; photo op with the cheerleaders from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 to 9:45 p.m.; and entertainment by Na Leo, Imua, Inoa'ole, DJ Galiss, Makana and Ben, Maila and Albert, 7 p.m. to midnight at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Free admission. Call 233-4635.